Patrick Wilson is widely recognized for his role as Ed Warren in The Conjuring series, appearing in eight out of the nine films of the franchise. With the upcoming release of The Conjuring: Last Rites expected to be the concluding chapter, it may mark the end of Wilson’s portrayal of the paranormal investigator. However, Wilson’s contributions to the horror genre extend far beyond this popular series, making the Patrick Wilson horror movies list a compelling collection worth exploring.
Throughout his career, Wilson has ventured into various horror projects that showcase his versatility, including films that blend dark comedy, psychological thrillers, and supernatural elements. These movies, ranging from intense character studies to chilling narratives, demonstrate why his presence is a significant draw for horror enthusiasts. Below are seven notable films featuring Patrick Wilson that horror fans should consider watching beyond The Conjuring universe.
Dark Comedy Turned Horror in Home Sweet Hell (2015)
In Home Sweet Hell, Patrick Wilson takes on the role of Don Champagne, a seemingly successful businessman whose infidelity triggers dire consequences. Directed by Anthony Burns, this film involves a darkly comedic yet horrifying storyline centered on Don’s wife, Mona, portrayed by Katherine Heigl, who is desperate to maintain their perfect life at all costs. The cast further includes actors like Jordana Brewster and Jim Belushi, contributing to the film’s complex character dynamics.
Despite the talented ensemble, Home Sweet Hell struggled to resonate with both critics and viewers. Many reviews criticized the film for attempting shock value that unfortunately veered into problematic territory, drawing accusations of misogyny instead of subversion. Katherine Heigl received a Razzie nomination for Worst Actress, which many felt was harsher given the limited scope of the material. Wilson’s performance, however, provides subtle hints at his comedic range, although it is not regarded as one of his standout roles.
An Unconventional Horror Western: Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Patrick Wilson’s role as Arthur O’Dwyer in Bone Tomahawk represents his sole foray into the horror western subgenre. Directed by S. Craig Zahler, this film is set in the 1890s and follows Sheriff Franklin Hunt (played by Kurt Russell) as he assembles a posse to rescue captives from a tribe of cannibalistic cave dwellers. Wilson plays a wounded cowboy who accompanies this grim mission, supported by a diverse ensemble cast including Matthew Fox and Richard Jenkins.
Bone Tomahawk earned praise for its gritty atmosphere and engaging performances, with particular acclaim for its bold storytelling approach. However, the film faced criticism over its portrayal of Native Americans as violent antagonists, raising concerns about racial stereotyping. Despite this, the movie maintains a high critical rating, holding a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and secured several Fangoria Chainsaw Award nominations, with Kurt Russell winning Best Actor and Raw Leiba receiving recognition for his portrayal of Wolf Skull.
Intense Psychological Thriller: Hard Candy (2005)
Hard Candy stands out as one of Patrick Wilson’s most psychologically disturbing films. Directed by David Slade and written by Brian Nelson, the plot involves a tense encounter between Jeff Kohlver (Wilson), a photographer, and Hayley Stark, a 14-year-old girl played by Elliot Page. What begins as a seemingly innocent meeting takes a dark turn when Hayley reveals she has a secret agenda, convinced that Jeff is a manipulative predator.
The film is noted for its powerful performances by both leads, gripping the audience with a suspenseful narrative focused on themes of justice and retribution. Critics largely praised Hard Candy’s bold concept and the visceral intensity of Wilson and Page’s portrayals. The film earned three Fangoria Chainsaw Award nominations and won recognition from the Austin Film Critics Association, highlighting its impact within the horror-thriller niche.
Science Fiction Horror in Prometheus (2012)
As part of the renowned Alien franchise, Prometheus explores the origins of human life through the journey of a spaceship’s crew. Directed by Ridley Scott and featuring a screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof, the film blends science fiction and horror elements. Wilson plays the father of archeologist Elizabeth Shaw, played by Noomi Rapace, in a supporting yet pivotal role.
The movie boasts an impressive ensemble, including Charlize Theron and Michael Fassbender, with strong reviews focusing on its impressive visual effects and ambitious storyline. Prometheus received an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Visual Effects and holds a 75% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Wilson’s contribution, while limited in screen time, adds emotional depth to the film’s broader narrative.
Wilson’s Role in the Horror Anthology Nightmare Cinema (2018)
Nightmare Cinema is a compilation of short horror stories directed by several filmmakers, including Joe Dante and David Slade. Patrick Wilson appears in the segment titled This Way to Egress, which revolves around a woman experiencing terrifying reality shifts while waiting in a doctor’s office. Wilson’s involvement is a brief voice cameo, facilitated by his friendship with Slade from previous work on Hard Candy.
The anthology received mixed reviews, with some segments unanimously praised while others were considered weaker. Variety highlighted Wilson’s segment as visually compelling yet somewhat underdeveloped. Nightmare Cinema earned nominations for Best Limited Release Film at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards and Best American Independent Feature at the Cleveland International Film Festival, maintaining a 77% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Leading the Insidious Franchise as Josh Lambert (2010–Present)
Preceding his iconic role in The Conjuring, Patrick Wilson starred as Josh Lambert in the Insidious series, which began in 2010. Directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell, the films depict a family terrorized by supernatural forces living within their home. Alongside Wilson, Rose Byrne stars as his wife Renai, with a supporting cast including Lin Shaye and Ty Simpkins.
The first Insidious film gained mostly positive reviews for its suspenseful buildup and effective scares despite some criticism of its climax. Over the years, the franchise has grown substantially, with Wilson appearing in four of the five entries. The series garnered multiple Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, including Best Score and Best Actress wins, alongside fan accolades such as the People’s Choice Award for Best Horror Movie. Wilson’s portrayal of Josh anchors the franchise’s emotional core.
Terrifying Psychological Horror in In the Tall Grass (2019)
In the Tall Grass adapts a novella co-written by Stephen King and Joe Hill into a haunting psychological thriller directed by Vincenzo Natali. The film follows siblings Becky and Cal DeMuth, portrayed by Laysla De Oliveira and Avery Whitted, as they venture into a field of tall grass to rescue a lost child, only to face an ominous malevolent force. Patrick Wilson appears as Tobin Humboldt’s father, sharing scenes with Rachel Wilson, though the two actors are not related.
The movie offers a visually striking and unsettling atmosphere, though it received mixed reviews regarding its pacing and depth of adaptation. Critics widely noted that while the film’s concept is engaging, the execution sometimes faltered in expanding the source material. Collider remarked,
“In the Tall Grass doesn’t always work, but when it does, it’s compelling and gorgeous.”
Wilson delivers a notably eerie performance that amplifies the film’s psychological tension. The movie won awards from the Director’s Guild of Canada for Best Feature Film and Best Sound Editing, alongside a Fangoria Chainsaw Award nomination for Best Streaming Premiere Film.
Patrick Wilson’s diverse performances across these films demonstrate his wide-ranging talent within the horror genre, beyond his well-known role in The Conjuring franchise. From psychological thrillers to science fiction horror and dark comedy, the Patrick Wilson horror movies list provides fans with compelling options to explore different facets of horror accompanied by his strong screen presence. As The Conjuring: Last Rites approaches, audiences can revisit these other films to appreciate Wilson’s sustained impact across horror cinema.
